“Somehow they still manage to show off their considerable talent on the instruments while barreling full-steam down the road.”

— Celtic Music Magazine

In the vibrant tapestry of Canadian music, the Dust Rhinos stand as a spirited testament to the infectious allure of Celtic and folk rock. Hailing from the musical heartland of 
Winnipeg, Manitoba, this quintet has been carving its sonic path for an impressive three decades.

Founded on a shared love for the spirited traditions of Celtic melodies, the Dust Rhinos have become synonymous with electrifying performances that transcend generations. Blair McEvoy, the driving force behind the band, weaves a musical spell with his powerful vocals and storytelling. His charismatic stage presence sets the tone for a Dust Rhinos experience—a journey into the heart of lively, foot-stomping rhythms and soul-stirring melodies.

Dan Cannon, the rhythmic anchor on bass, provides the heartbeat that propels the Dust Rhinos’ distinctive sound. Darren Wittmann, the percussion wizard on drums, infuses each composition with dynamic energy, ensuring that every beat resonates with the audience.

The strings section, featuring the skilled hands of Ryan Spracklin on mandolin and fiddle, and the spellbinding  Ivanka Watkin on the fiddle, adds a layer of enchantment to the Dust Rhinos’ musical landscape. Their harmonious interplay creates a rich, textured atmosphere that captivates listeners and transports them to the heart of Celtic revelry.

For over 30 years, the Dust Rhinos have been the high-voltage heartbeat of the Canadian Celtic rock scene. Blending traditional melodies with a “pedal to the metal” punk-rock ethic, this Winnipeg-based powerhouse has built a legacy on sweat, stories, and the undeniable power of a well-placed mandolin or fiddle.

Today, the Dust Rhinos remain one of Canada’s most enduring Celtic acts. Whether they are reimagining a 200-year-old shanty, Celtifying a rock classic or debuting an original track, the Rhinos continue to prove that the spirit of the folk tradition is best served loud, fast, and with a heavy dose of Prairie grit.

click on image to download

Program Blurbs

Dust Rhinos

If your band consists of fiddles, mandolins, and something called a bodhran, and your audience looks like it could hold its own at a soccer hooligan convention, you’d bloody well better be able to use those instruments to mercifully bludgeon that rumbly bunch with a Celtic sonic assault that will leave them pounding on the bar, picking each other up off the Guinness-soaked floor, and screaming for one more song.

                                                  ______________________________________

 

The Dust Rhinos have a monster sound. A sound rooted in an ancient time and a faraway place. Using traditional airs, reels, and jigs the Rhinos conjure up the Ireland of olde with leprechauns, shamrocks, tweed caps, and “sure and begorrah.” And then, like a shillelagh wrapped in a potato sack, they knock the bejeebers out of that green and lovely image and unleash a freight train loaded with banshees and the furious ghost of Cuchulainn.

                                                  ______________________________________

 

 The Dust Rhinos are a high-energy Celtic folk rock band from Winnipeg, Canada, with a unique sound that blends traditional Celtic music with modern rock and roll. With their dynamic performances and infectious energy, the Dust Rhinos are sure to get your feet tapping and your body moving. Whether you're a fan of Celtic music, rock, or just great live performances, the Dust Rhinos are the perfect choice for your next event. So come along for the ride and let the Dust Rhinos take you on a wild musical journey you won't soon forget!
“The Dust Rhinos are like the Irish Rovers on speed”

— Irish Power Hour

SAMPLE MUSIC 

  1. Rocky Road to Dublin   2. To All The Friends I've Ever Had   3. Don't Come Knocking

Press Photos (click on image to download)

Sample Video

Inquiries